Famous 5 Ottawa is hosting a fundraiser for its sister organization, the Famous 5 Fort McMurray, tonight to raise money for Albertans who were forced to flee their city in the wake of the devastating forest fire two weeks ago.

“We wanted to do something to help the people in Fort McMurray who have been devastated by the terrible wildfires,” said Famous 5 Ottawa Chair Isabel Metcalfe. “With the support of our generous sponsor, Enbridge, and thanks to The Red Lion Public House, all the money Famous 5 Ottawa raises at this fundraiser will be donated to the Red Cross on behalf of Famous 5 Fort McMurray.”

The Red Lion Public House, a new British pub in the Byward Market, has generously offered to host the event, donate canapés, waive the room fee and provide entertainment.

“The Red Lion pub is pleased to join Famous 5 Ottawa volunteers in hosting this event for the good people of Fort McMurray,” said Jack Bisson, owner of The Red Lion. “It’s an opportunity for us to do our part for the many families who have lost their homes, jobs and their community.”

The federal government and the Alberta government will match all donations to the Red Cross pertaining to the Fort McMurray disaster, which triples the original contribution.

Angela Scoble, Chair of the Enbridge Famous 5 Speaker Series – Fort McMurray, will be in Ottawa to attend the fundraiser on behalf of her organization.

More than 90,000 people were evacuated from Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas in the last week and a half as wildfires swept through the region. Roughly 2,400 homes and buildings in this northern Alberta city have been destroyed and the fire consuming the area remains out of control. Hundreds of first responders, including fire fighters and emergency personnel, have been working 24/7 to try and contain the damage.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $25 and can be purchased on the Famous 5 Ottawa website or at the door.

Famous 5 Ottawa is a volunteer organization supported through Enbridge and Norton Rose Fulbright sponsorships. It annually holds a series of luncheon events sponsored by Enbridge.

Famous 5 Ottawa – Founded in 1997, the Famous 5 Ottawa is a volunteer group that celebrates the achievements of women who have made significant contributions locally, nationally and internationally. It mentors and encourages young women to consider a career in public life and provides inspiration and education to all Canadians about nation building.